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Monoethanolamine (MEA)

  • Bases
  • CAS 141-43-5
  • IUPAC: 2-aminoethan-1-ol

Acutely toxic at concentrate (Acute Tox. 4 oral/dermal/inhalation per H302/H312/H332); skin corrosive (H314) and serious eye damage (H318) at full strength. At consumer-product dilution (1–10% in surfactant formula), classifies as a mild skin and eye irritant only. The active builder behind the WARNING signal word in alkanolamine-based cleaners.

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is the simplest alkanolamine, used in cleaning chemistry as a pH builder, emulsifier, and surfactant booster. It provides mild alkalinity (raises pH to 9–11 at typical formulation concentrations) and helps emulsify oils and oxidized rubber additives during tire and surface cleaning. At consumer-product concentrations of 0.1–10% in tire and rubber cleaners, MEA classifies as a mild irritant — the active behind the H315/H319 WARNING-level classifications in foaming tire cleaners. It is meaningfully milder than caustic builders (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide) which classify as corrosive (H314) at the same concentration in cleaner formulations. MEA biodegrades readily and does not persist in wastewater.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Alkanolamine pH builder and emulsifier in cleaners and degreasers; provides mild alkalinity and improves surfactant performance

1 product contain this

Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.